Activities with Clients

Explore the Outdoors

Often due to ambulatory issues or family members’ lack of time, many seniors spend too much time indoors. This can result in inertia, depression, or lack of stimulation in general. A change of scenery in the form of an outing with a caregiver can lift the spirits and strengthen the bond of a shared activity. Enjoying the park (seniors appreciate watching children play), nearby gardens, picnic, outdoor concert, an art show, a walk by a beach and more can mean a marked improvement in a senior’s outlook.

“My client Eleanor, who is 86, was a master gardener for years and years. She showed me some awards she’d won. When I did some research and realized there were botanical gardens nearby, we now make it a point to go there at least once a week, weather permitting. She explains everything to me—what each flower is, when to plant it, what kind of care it needs. In my opinion there’s nothing she doesn’t know, and she even gives the caretakers tips. She keeps telling me our trips to the gardens are better than anything, even dessert!” – Cynthia G., caregiver

Exercise

Because for the most part seniors face increasing ambulatory issues, some form of exercise in which they can engage with the caregiver will result in a fun, shared bond. Tantamount to that, exercise keeps them flexible, coordinated and in a good frame of mind through the release of endorphins, potentially boosting their immune system and lowering susceptibility to the issues of aging. Depending on capability, seated leg lifts, arm raises and rotations, light weights, walking, tossing a beach ball (seated is fine), and basic chair stretches are all easy to do with a caregiver.

“John, 85, told me even growing up he was never one for exercise. He has a competitive nature and always loved watching sports—just not so much participating. When he fell last winter, I wanted to do what I could to prevent it in the future. He was hesitant at first, but after a few weeks agreed to swim in the community pool if I went in with him. Now he even participates in the over 65 water weight resistance classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, meeting a group of men and women his age who he enjoys seeing. I just sit on the sidelines and cheer.” – Avery B., caregiver

Tell Stories

Almost nothing improves a senior’s frame of mind more than reminiscing. Encouraging them to tell you family stories—where and how they grew up; about their parents; siblings; how they met their spouse; special occasions like weddings, birthdays, graduations, holidays, etc.; vacations; overcoming obstacles and more are rich topics. As a caregiver, sharing your own stories is just as important, as it may help you find common ground.

“This happened by accident, but my client, Amanda, age 80, heard me talking to my mom on the phone one day. I normally do not take personal calls at work, but Amanda insisted because my mom was in the hospital and it was her birthday as well, and she heard me trying to cheer her up. Mom and I were talking about birthday parties in the past. I saw Amanda eyes light up with all the party talk, so when I got off the phone, I made sure she and I spent the afternoon sharing stories about all the special occasions and parties in her life and mine. We now spend much more time sharing our stories.” – Leesa M., caregiver

Laugh

My father, among many other things, was a motivational speaker. He spoke before many thousands of children at elementary schools, members of government and religious organizations, and largely before senior groups, about how to protect themselves from abuse: physical; emotional; financial. He was also an award-winning humor lecturer, focused on delivering transformative, life-changing messages about using humor as an essential component of healing (reference Norman Cousins), addressing groups of physicians and RNs in pulmonary, cancer, and cardiac care units and the like. Where humor is concerned, there is no shortage of resources online (YouTube, etc.) to view, for example, episodes of the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast which ran in the 1970s (on CBS?), and included immortal humor from Don Rickles, Milton Berle, Nipsey Russell, Phyllis Diller, Jack Benny, Joey Bishop, Foster Brooks, etc. There are many options online to watch (appropriate) stand-up from other comedians.

“I actually learned from my client, Iris, 89, about the power of laughter and a good outlook. I tend to be the serious type, mostly seeing the downside, as many of us do, carrying the load we all do if we are anything over about age 12. She taught me it’s one thing to be serious, but quite another to have a negative outlook. Iris had a hard life, losing her husband very early, raising six kids by herself, battling illness in her 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. But she constantly tells me jokes, makes me watch funny shows on TV with her, turns off the news when it’s mostly bad, and forces me to look at the bright side of any situation. She’s always looking for the next joke to tell. I am sure this is the reason she’s the sunshine in my life, and has taught me about the power of laughter which I get to share with other clients.” – Gina M., caregiver

Play (and Singing along to) Music

Seniors, like the rest of us, relate to the music of their respective eras. Whether it is swing, bop, classic rock, classical, country, or something else, listening to music—singing along where possible—is an uplifting balm for what ails us, or so the saying goes, and more fun if there are two! Some of the greatest music came out of the Big Band era: the 1940s, when orchestras helmed by Glenn Miller, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, and others produced work that will live forever in the opus lexicon.

“My client, Izzy, who just turned 86, just about lives for the times we share together listening to Ella Fitzgerald and the Chick Webb Orchestra, not to mention all the other performers and Big Bands. He’s not a bad singer either! It’s so easy to download this or get it on YouTube or Spotify, etc. I’m learning so much from him about the music which now inspires me too.” – Claire R., caregiver

Make Art

Creativity is at the heart of our existence. While the old days of bead stringing at some institutions are what may come to mind, bolder strokes such as drawing and painting together with a client can bring out their inner Vermeer, encouraging expression and perhaps providing a form of therapy.

“The first time I brought colored pencils to my client, Lillian, 80, I asked her to draw anything she loved. Little did I know this would turn into something we do for a while almost every time we’re together. I don’t think either one of us has ever had so much fun expressing ourselves!” – Kate P., caregiver

Play Word Games, Do Crossword Puzzles

With the diminishment of brain cells as we age, doctors have recommended finding tools such as word games and challenging crossword puzzles to keep the muscle strong. Depending on mental acuity and/or technology ability, these can take the form of board games such as Scrabble, flash cards, the NY Times (or other) crossword puzzles, Words With Friends, and more.

“I have to say I was amazed at how much Arthur, 87, just about kills me every time at Scrabble. My family and I played it when I was growing up, and I thought I was pretty good, but Arthur is a true competitor!” – Carl G., caregiver

Cook and Prepare Meals

Many seniors miss cooking for friends and family—something they may have done well their whole lives which gave them pleasure and made them feel needed and valued. Caregivers usually engage in light meal prep, and encouraging the client to participate with you, depending on mental state, range of motion,, and physical capability in general, can bring back buried feelings of belonging and self-worth. If they cannot fully participate physically, bringing them into the process by having them in the kitchen, asking questions of them, and genuinely showing that you value their suggestions and experience will reap important rewards. Who’s Hungry on our website, with its condition-specific recipe suggestions, can be a great meal prep tool.

“I’m not the world’s greatest cook, and including Anna, 79, with me in the kitchen has elevated me from okay to better every time! She has so many food ideas and customs she shares with me, cooking for her family all her life. It’s a fun time we both look forward to.” – Suzanne T., caregiver

Engage with Animals

Many hundreds of studies show the extent to which senior’s spirits are lifted and mental outlook vastly improved by the presence of animals. In memory care facilities, research shows that highly agitated patients are instantly calmed—cortisol levels lowered—by the presence of a therapy dog. And there are documented accounts of formerly uncommunicative patients suddenly opening up when an animal is introduced into their lives. Perhaps your local humane society allows animal visits, which strongly benefit all concerned: felines, canines, and seniors. A visit to a local zoo, aviary or aquarium is another option.

“I didn’t realize how many of my clients like animals (most of them, as it turns out!), and how they feel so much more relaxed around them. If we can’t go out to a shelter, zoo, or something like that, I’ve even gotten permission sometimes to bring my dog to be with them during my visits.” – Adam R., caregiver

Read

If possible this could involve a trip to the library or bookstore so the client can participate in selecting the book(s) s/he wants to read. If reading is manageable, senior and caregiver can hand the book back and forth and if reading is difficult, the caregiver can read and even ask questions about what is being read, which makes for more interaction and causes the client to focus, process, and overall think.

“It’s just as true for seniors as it is children (and people of all ages). Reading is a great escape! My client, Irma, 90, is a former high school English teacher and we read together every chance we get. She loves choosing the books and lets me choose the magazines.” – Miranda C., caregiver

Go to Restaurants

Most people like eating out, and seniors are no different. Going out to breakfast, brunch, or lunch to a lively spot can provide an important change of scenery and welcome change from the usual food at home. Additionally, breaking bread together forms or deepens a bond between people and can help cultivate a pleasant relationship between senior and caregiver.

“I have always loved eating out and my clients are no different. We can’t get out all the time but the occasional treat really lifts their spirits—and mine. I’m not sure if we spend more time eating or laughing!” – Deirdre D., caregiver

Play The Letter Game

Start with the letter “A,” and both the client and caregiver have to think of as many words as they possibly can that begin with “A,” writing them down. Move on to “B,” etc. Note: this game is the most fun when there are multiple people involved.

“I played this game with Annie who is 89 and Joe who is 90—the married couple I care for a few days a week. It was the best thing ever, as they had a real competition going between them and I got caught up in it too. Between the two of them, and me, we came up with around 200 words only a few letters into the alphabet. It really worked our brains. In fact, if the truth be told, they had me beat by a long shot. They just didn’t want to stop, and neither did I.” – Cheryl S., caregiver